How does x86-64 work?


  1. Posts : 18
    Windows 7 & XP Mode
       #1

    How does x86-64 work?


    Kinda Noob but is it like I have a 64bit OS and I can also run 32bit apps (that doesn't have 32bit dll dependencies) or is it the other way around.
    I'm considering buying a new processor (Intel Core i7 or AMD Phenom II)so I want to clear my doubts.
    Thanks in advance.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,325
    Windows7 Ultimate 64bit
       #2

    If you're referring to Windows 7 x64, then most of the time you'd be fine. Windows x64 have WoW subsystem, Windows on Windows, it's a small virtual machine that will switch your processor to run in 32 bit classic mode for a particular process. Some programs aren't playing nice with WoW, but those are rare. Go buy your self any x86-64 capable processor you want, and enjoy it :)

    Read this, it might shed some light for you...

    zzz2496
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 18
    Windows 7 & XP Mode
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thanks, I got it totally wrong, I thought there was an x86 and a x64 instruction set and that x86-64 was a instruction set aimed for compatibility of x86 in x64 OS, silly me.
    Well still gonna keep my 32bit OS till I have more RAM. Thanks.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 OEM
       #4

    the only bad thing i can say of with x64 OS is that you can no longer run any 16-bit applications. to pretty much everyone this is no problem as nothing that came out in the last decade uses 16-bit code. though if you have to have a 15 year old game that you want to play for nostalgia's sake......your sol ~_~
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,325
    Windows7 Ultimate 64bit
       #5

    kabliga said:
    the only bad thing i can say of with x64 OS is that you can no longer run any 16-bit applications. to pretty much everyone this is no problem as nothing that came out in the last decade uses 16-bit code. though if you have to have a 15 year old game that you want to play for nostalgia's sake......your sol ~_~
    Not quite There's Virtualbox (or any other virtualization solutions) to the rescue !!

    zzz2496
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 6
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 OEM
       #6

    aye, but when i tried VMware in xp it ran too slowly to be of any use, hopefully W7 is better about it =p
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,325
    Windows7 Ultimate 64bit
       #7

    kabliga said:
    aye, but when i tried VMware in xp it ran too slowly to be of any use, hopefully W7 is better about it =p
    I use VirtualBox and VMware since XP, nothing is "slow"... Maybe you need virtualization acceleration assist...

    zzz2496
      My Computer


 

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